Shelton's Daniels, Tabb sign with 4-year schools

Travis Daniels and Ladarius Tabb plan to play basketball at four-year schools in 2013-14, but they’re not finished at Shelton State Community College.

By Andrew CarrollSports Writer

TUSCALOOSA | Travis Daniels and Ladarius Tabb plan to play basketball at four-year schools in 2013-14, but they’re not finished at Shelton State Community College.

The two sophomores decided the early signing period was the right time to make their college choices official. Daniels, a 6-foot-8 forward from Russellville, signed with Mississippi State. Tabb, a 6-5 forward from Newbern, signed with Alabama A&M.

“This is a good day for me,” Daniels said. “It’s a big relief because I feel like I accomplished something in my life that I never just sat and thought about accomplishing. It’s a good feeling to know I’m going to a good home, a good team, a good school. It was a good situation for me.”

Mississippi State has a new coach in Rick Ray.

“When I went on campus, it was everything they told me,” said Daniels, who is considering business management as his major. “They didn’t sell me a dream. They just kept it real. They told me what they wanted out of me, what kind of player they saw I could be.”

“I liked it on campus. They have good fans, good people. I have two AAU teammates that are there, Roquez Johnson and Craig Sword. They’re great guys. My plan is reuniting and playing with them.”

Playing in Shelton coach Barry Mohun’s fast-paced system, Daniels learned how to run the floor.

“I’m a 6-8 point forward,” Daniels said. “I can handle the ball. I can shoot the ball. I’ve got a great IQ. I’m very talkative on the court. I’m a very unselfish player. I think I’m a very versatile player. I can play inside and out.

“Junior college helped me a lot. It helped my maturity level. It helped me as a basketball player. It helped me as a person. It helped me as a student-athlete. Hard work pays off.”

Tabb joined the Bucs after playing high school basketball at Francis Marion.

“It means a lot,” Tabb said. “Growing up, I always wanted to go play at a bigger school, a university. I finally got that chance, and it’s a great feeling. Waiting until April, you never know what’s going to happen, so I wanted to go on and do it now.”

Alabama A&M’s location was deciding factor for Tabb, who described himself as a “mama’s boy.”

“I love my mama,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without her, so that was a big part of everything.”

Willie Hayes is the coach at Alabama A&M, which is scheduled to play at Mississippi State on Dec. 30.

“They said they’re getting a basketball player,” said Tabb, who wants to pursue a career in sports management. “Everywhere I go, I’m going to hustle. I bring effort to the table.

“I stopped here because most of my family said, ‘You might not be ready for a jump straight into a university.’ Coach Mohun helped me out a lot. He helped me out with my speed, my energy. I want to thank God for allowing me to have this opportunity and thank my family for being there for me when I needed them the most.”

Mohun said signing early should allow Daniels and Tabb to concentrate on basketball and academics as they finish out at Shelton State.

“I think it’s comforting both ways for them,” Mohun said. “Sometimes the uncertainty of the future can play big in their minds. I’m sure it’s a big relief getting that over with.

“I really enjoy watching them play. I know with Ladarius, Alabama A&M will be a great fit because they play a similar style. He’s just energy and effort everywhere. Once he tires out, give him a minute or two break and he’s back at it again. He’s just fun to watch.

“With Travis, they really like his versatility. Like he does for us, he’s inside and outside. They plan to use him both ways at Mississippi State. He’ll probably play the (wing) position, and there could be some size problems for the other team. With him being able to handle it and also shoot it on the perimeter, I think that he’ll be a great fit for them.”

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.